Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Getting Started

Are online pet pharmacies safe? You’d better do your research

Vera Lawlor
By

We love our pets and want to do what’s best for them, and that includes taking care of their health needs. Those medical expenses include annual health checks, vaccinations, and flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners in the U.S. spent $31.4 billion on vet care and health products in 2020. With the cost of veterinary care so high, it’s easy to understand why pet parents turn to online pet pharmacies to fill prescriptions or buy products. Every week, online pet pharmacies offer pet meds online and health products for less than you typically pay at your veterinarian’s office. However, pet parents shouldn’t jump on these bargains without doing some research.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),  although many legitimate online veterinary pharmacies exist, others operate without FDA approval. Just as with other websites, you should know what red flags to look for so that you can protect yourself and your pet. Experts at the American Veterinary Medical Association say that some illegal online pet pharmacies may sell medicines that are counterfeit, outdated, mislabeled, incorrectly formulated, or improperly made or stored. These medicines may not contain the actual drug, may contain contaminants or the incorrect amount of drug, or may not work as well due to age or being stored incorrectly.

Online pet pharmacies.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to tell if an online pet pharmacy is reputable

Speak with your veterinarian

Start with your trusted veterinarian, who will understand that you’re on a budget and need to shop around for cheaper medications or health care products. Ask, for instance, if your veterinarian trusts the online pharmacy you plan to use. Ask if she has ever worked with the pharmacy or has clients who have used the site. Typically, vets will write prescriptions for clients to send to reputable online pet pharmacies and so will be aware of the different online sites.

Related

Does the website require a veterinarian’s prescription?

Ordering medication online still requires a prescription from your veterinarian. A reputable online pharmacy should insist on veterinary permission before selling you a prescription medication. Websites that sell prescription veterinary medicines without requiring a veterinarian’s prescription are breaking the law, according to the FDA.

Recommended Videos

Where is the online pharmacy licensed?

U.S. pharmacies must be licensed by the state board of pharmacy or similar agency in the state where they are based and where they fill prescriptions. The FDA offers information on how to track down pharmacy license information for each state.

Check for a seal of approval

Check the website for the seal indicating that the site is accredited as a Vet-VIPPS (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site) pharmacy. This is a voluntary accreditation program of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), which requires rigid standards in the preparation and dispensing of medicines. If the online pet pharmacy operates in the U.S., pet parents can check the NABP website to see if it’s on the list of Accredited Digital Pharmacies.

Where is the pharmacy located?

If the online pharmacy doesn’t have a business address with a phone number or other contact information, then that’s cause for concern. Legitimate pharmacies will list business addresses and provide contact information.

Can you speak with a licensed pharmacist?

If you have questions about your pet’s medicines, is there a licensed pharmacist available to speak with you? Some online pharmacies may not be prepared to answer your questions and have limited knowledge about medicines for animals, according to the FDA.

Pets should visit a vet before starting prescription medications

Just because you can order medications online doesn’t mean you should skip annual physicals for your dog. Veterinary experts caution that whenever pets need prescription medication, it’s essential for the pet to have a complete physical examination so the proper medication can be dispensed. In addition, annual blood tests need to be performed before renewing such products as heartworm preventive medication. According to veterinarian Clarke Atkins in a Today’s Veterinary Practice article, if left undiagnosed, heartworm infections damage pulmonary, vascular, renal, and cardiac tissues. Identifying and eliminating the infection as soon as possible — with the right medicine — lessens the amount of damage to these vital tissues.

Dog being examined by veterinarian.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pet owners shouldn’t automatically assume they will save money by purchasing medications online rather than through a veterinarian. Many veterinary practices pass along manufacturer’s promotions and rebates to their clients, which can result in significant savings. It’s worth checking with your trusted animal hospital before turning to an online pet pharmacy.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Vera Lawlor
Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
Is your old dog shaking? 1 of these 6 problems may be the cause
Luckily many of the conditions that cause old dog shaking aren't life threatening
A rhodesian ridgeback with a gray face stands and looks to the side

Some of the smallest breeds of canines — Chihuahuas in particular — are known for their tendency to tremble, but it can be a bit startling when your old dog starts shaking suddenly. Especially if they're a larger breed or have no history of tremors, you might find yourself taking to Google: "Why is my old dog shaking?"
Just like with any health condition, there’s more than one cause for this symptom. Your old dog’s shaking may or may not have anything to do with their age, though it’s not uncommon for older dogs to develop issues that result in tremors. Whatever the cause, you can help your senior pup stay happy and healthy with your keen eye and lots of TLC. If you’re concerned, don’t ever hesitate to contact a trusted vet, either. That's why they're there!

Are weakening muscles the cause of your old dog shaking?
As dogs age, it’s common for them to lose muscle mass — regardless of their diet and exercise regimen. One way weakening muscles present themselves is through instability and shaking, especially in the legs.
You may see your pup’s neck muscles start to atrophy if their head seems to bob or tremble (it may also be time to switch to a lighter collar). A quick checkup from your vet will make sure that your dog isn’t in pain, and they can recommend therapies or medications either way. Every pup has their own journey!

Read more
Is incense bad for cats? 4 important things to consider before using it in your home
Considerations, safety tips, and healthier alternatives for burning incense around cats
Burning incense and tabby cat

Pet accidents, dirty laundry, stagnant air, and garbage are all common causes of an unpleasant smell. And if you’re a cat parent, managing the kitty litter box can be a smelly proposition in itself. So what’s a self-respecting homeowner to do?

Burning incense is among the various methods you can use to make your home smell nice, but is incense bad for cats? If so, it's important to learn whether the benefits of having a pleasant-smelling home outweigh the potential health risks that burning incense poses for your cat. If you love the smell of incense but worry that it’s not good for your feline friend, this is everything you should consider.
What is incense? A primer on the centuries-old aromatic biotic material
Incense is made of plant materials and essential oils that are pressed onto a bamboo stick or shaped into a cone or block. When burned, it produces a fragrant smoke that is used for religious ceremonies, meditation, or simple everyday ambiance.

Read more
Best reptile pets: These are the 5 most affectionate reptiles you can welcome into your home
These friendly reptiles will make great additions to your family
Basking Chinese water dragon

When you picture an adorable pet, you probably don't visualize an iguana. Reptiles aren't generally considered the cutest of animals, but that doesn't mean you can't find a cuddly one. Whether you're looking for a new buddy for yourself or for your lizard-obsessed kid, there's a reptilian beast out there that will work great in your home. With proper socialization, these guys can learn to be handled daily, some even by children. If you want a new pet that enjoys human company, consider one of these most affectionate slitherers — they're the best reptile pets for handling.
Are reptiles high maintenance?
Not necessarily. One of the things that makes reptiles tricky is how foreign some of their needs are. Parrots, dogs, and humans often have similar requirements for food, exercise, warmth, and water. Since we're all warm-blooded omnivores (for the most part), it feels natural to care for many of the animals we welcome into our homes.

Reptiles are totally different. You'll have to think carefully about heating lamps, cool spots, gut loading, moisture levels, and skin shedding. So you only want to go down this path if you feel ready. That being said, with the right mindset, many lizards, snakes, and turtles make solid beginner pets (a few species don't and we suggest holding off on those until you turn pro).

Read more